The L.U. Chopard insignia may be subtle and simple, even unremarkable, but what it stands for is the complete opposite. This collection of timepieces is in fact Chopard’s most technically accomplished, most horologically beautiful. It is, after all, named after the company founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard. At its Fleurier and Geneva manufactures, Chopard carries out all the operations involved in watch production: movement construction, product design, gold smelting, case stamping and machining, movement components, traditional handcrafted decorations, surface treatments, polishing, assembly, adjustment, and quality control.

New to the L.U. Chopard line is the L.U.C Perpetual Twin (covered very briefly al BaselWorld). As its name suggests, this timepiece proffers the perpetual calendar complication, which displays the exact date in perpetuity. Day, date, month, and leap year indications are all clearly shown via two sub-dials marked in black, one each for the day and month, as well as a small black circular indicator for the leap years and a large date display. But the double-window display is not the reason why the watch is named Perpetual Twin. This has more to do with the watch’s movement than its dial display.

The movement, Calibre L.U.C 96.51-L, keeps the watch running for a maximum of 58 hours when fully wound. Here is where one of its most unique attributes can be found: A micro-rotor winds up the movement’s two barrels in what Chopard calls its patented Twin technology. Those familiar with Chopard’s watchmaking pursuits would recall that the manufacture is also known for its Quattro technology, which uses two sets of double stacked barrels for a whopping nine-day power reserve. Evidently, mainspring power is something of an obsession by the watchmakers at Chopard.

Technical matters aside, there is the all-important issue of finishing and decoration. In keeping with the strict criteria set by the manufacture, the movement comes with components that have hand-bevelled edges and surfaces that are either circular-grained or decorated with Côtes de Genève. It is also COSC-certified as Chopard’s co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, who personally oversees the L.U.C line, believes in the importance of independent certification of timekeeping precision.

Specs

• Dimensions: 43mm
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, perpetual calendar, moon phase indicator
• Power Reserve: 58 hours
• Movement: Self-winding Calibre 96.51-L COSC-certified perpetual calendar with 58-hour power reserve
• Material: Stainless steel
• Water resistance: 30 meters
• Strap: Hand-sewn black alligator leather with steel pin buckle

This story was first published in World of Watches.